The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-01-28
SIR JOHN M'OONALD
HBRLsCOEFIDENrTHEREIsSONE
MISAPPREHESSION
In the United States, and He Re-
grets Very Much That Congress
Has Gone SO Par.

New YoRK, January ga speeds
from Ottawa TO the Herald Gays: Tn
special correspondent OF the HwdL
called upon the Canadian Premie
yesterday, and this Is what Sir Johl
Mcdonald said: ~ feel that the pso
pie OF the United States do not IN u
comprehend our position here II
Canada"
Sir John was found in the handsome
library Of the residence on the out
skirts OF the newly fedged city o
Ottawa. He continued very much a
follows: 1.-THE news that the United
States Senate passed the Edmund
bill, providing for the 80 called retalia
ton against Canada, because the fish
cries treaty has been eidly enforced
lie not q surprise TO me. have ha'
reason to think the pre;ent Congress
would pass something Of the kind
have bad information TO tba
effect. / regret very much tina
Congress has gone 30 far. l feel conf
dent that there is some misapprenen
sisn ia the United States. Here II
Canada we wish TO live in peace anC
hsrmony with our neighbors acrosi
the border. We have our fs1inl
treaty, which was framed by the
repre5en atvos OF Great Britain and
the Uoied States in 1918. We con
slider that we have only acted as tha
treaty comedies we may, The people
OF the United States ought 10 be will.
ing 10 allow us the treaty rights which
thsir owa representatives granted
The Dominion Government nave stood
on the provisions Of the treaty, and II
has endeavored TO carry them out in
harmony with justice and fairness.
Canada had given the American
fishermen a whole seasons fish.
ing during the summer and
autumn OF 1885. The failure OF the
American Senate to appoint Com
mission TO consider the fisheries threw
the mat or back on our hands, and we
we're compelled to protect our rights
by the enforcement OF the laws
which every nation exercises,
and the right to which all
nations Concede. TIE customs au-
thoritles were instructed TO enforce
the lave, but to exercise care not to
employ arbitrary measures, and to
avoid in all respects procedures
which would affect the strenQth Of our
legal position, as well unduly annoy
the citissns OF a neighboring aud
friendly nation. / will say unhesitst.
ingly that IL has been the endeavor Of
the Government OF Canada to avoid
eerious friction In protecting our
rights, and that whole matter had
been one Of grave solicitude."
"Sir John, the people Of the United
States believe that your government
has enforced the customs and fishing
laws M strictly as possible with the
purpose OF endeavoring to force the
United States into consenting to an
other commission and consequent
treaty like that OF Washington 2"
This Ia q grave error. The Oaua-
diant Government has not attempted
10 coerce the United States. On the
contrary, does it not rather appear ss
II there were sort Of wolf and the
lamb spirit show n with Canada as the
lamb2 will be pleased II you will
saw that there ia no such spirit on the
par Of the Canadian Government.
We would be very glad to have
another understanding In re-
gard 10 the fisheries. We are
willing to have q reciprocity
treaty re-enacted in place o.
the former one, which wan Cancelled
/ fear, bacause OF the feeling against
Great Britain arising out OF the Ala
bama dspredations, Canada will en-
ter into an arrangement for q renewa
OF the privilege OF fishing in our wsIeri
and for American fishermen TO obtair
supplies, bait and transship fish. We
have asked for commission to con
slider the subject Failing in obtain
inc a commission even to consider lht
questions involved, Canada has to tn,
best ri her ability protected hersslf. y
what would bs the effect on Cana
ds II the Belmont bill prohibiting th'
import of ell Canadian products ant
the passa % Of railway cars into tbs
United States2p
Dir John placed his fingers togethe
pointiog upward, and after a moment'
pause said, softly: THAT would ia
deed be severe, very severe. ] canno
think that Congress will proceed Il
such u length"
"Will you state what course Canad
will adopt II the Bslmoat bill or tn,
Edmuuds are put in operation2"
Sir John considered the question
mentally and responded: "The Dana
dian Government has sctediaccordini
TO law. II has referred its acts ant
reasons therefor to the ImperiH
Government OF Great Britain. 1t see
no reasons TO change its views, n
matter what may take place in othe
countries"
Then you are willing 10 say tina
Canada will not recede from It's pres
err position
Sir John responded: Yes, you ar
liberty TO say that Oanada's position
il fixed, regs dless OF what may b
dcne in the United States
Sir John ended the interview b,
expressing bis personal admiration
FIR certain well known American
s'Rt smen.